Thumb brace

definition

A thumb orthosis can be viewed as a "firm bandage". These orthoses usually consist of elastic parts that enclose the wrist and relatively solid parts that ensure a more or less strong splint for the thumb. A thumb orthosis can usually be put on, adjusted (elasticity, Velcro fastener) and taken off relatively easily.

Indications

A thumb orthosis can be helpful in many different cases and is used to stabilize, immobilize, relieve pain and maintain the functionality of the remaining fingers.

A thumb orthosis is very often used in the treatment of rhizarthroses (wear and tear of the thumb saddle joint). This stabilizes the joint between the metacarpal and carpal bones. Painful movements are prevented and a general relieving position of the other fingers is eliminated. Those affected can use their hand better functionally despite being immobilized.

Another frequent indication is (chronic) overstimulation and overloading of the thumb, which can be accompanied by inflammation of the joints and tendons.

Other thumb orthoses are also used after operations on the thumb and metacarpal bones. It can also provide a remedy for severe bruises and compressions. An injury can also tear the ligaments (ulnar ligament) in the area of ​​the thumb. This can also be an indication for a thumb orthosis.

You might also be interested in this topic: Surgery for an osteoarthritis of the thumb saddle

Rhizarthrosis

Rhizarthrosis is osteoarthritis (wear and tear) of the thumb saddle joint. This joint is located at the origin of the thumb, near the wrist and thus represents the connection between the metacarpal and the carpal bones. Women suffer from this arthritis more often. In addition, both hands are often affected. Some professions place particular stress on this joint and thus increase the risk of this type of osteoarthritis (for example hairdressers).

Swelling and movement-dependent pain can occur, which can severely restrict everyday life. These occur increasingly with gripping and turning movements. Orthoses can help through stabilization and reduce pain.

Read more about this under: Rhizarthrosis

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Different thumb orthoses

For every indication and every clinical picture, there are specific orthoses from different manufacturers that immobilize certain regions of the thumb.

In the case of rhizarthosis, an orthosis that immobilizes the thumb saddle joint is necessary. The shining, fixed part often also immobilizes the thumb base joint.

After operations, injuries or other clinical pictures, special orthoses can be used that are specifically selected and prescribed by the doctor. The immobilization can be more or less severe and stabilization can affect all or individual joints of the thumb.

A distinction is usually made between right and left orthoses. These cannot be used for the other side. To put it in a comparison: the right glove doesn't fit on the left hand either. In addition, the orthoses differ in size. The different sizes can be tried out when buying and during consultation.

Effect of the thumb brace

A thumb brace works mechanically and prevents painful movements or movements that prevent the healing process. It stabilizes the affected region with certain parts (aluminum / plastic plates) and causes a immobilization. The degree of immobilization can vary depending on the type of orthosis.

Parts that fix the orthosis on the wrist are usually elastic and allow the hand to be used again or again without pain. The movement-dependent pain is significantly alleviated. Inflammatory reactions or injuries can heal better and regress in this position.

In the case of rhizarthrosis, the focus is on immobilization and pain relief. Unfortunately, there is no healing or regeneration of the wear and tear. The fixed part of this orthosis immobilizes the thumb saddle joint (and usually the thumb base joint).

Here you can find out more about: Orthoses

Should I also wear an orthosis at night?

Depending on the clinical picture, the orthosis should also be worn at night. Especially after operations, injuries and over-stimulation, longer, permanent wear can contribute to faster healing. The prescriptions and advice of the treating physician should be followed.

Rhizarthrosis can make it necessary to wear it permanently (even at night). When the acute symptoms decrease, the orthosis can be taken off on a trial basis.

Can I use it to drive a car?

The question of driving a car is difficult to answer. Driving is given if there are no restrictions while driving. Especially in dangerous situations, the orthosis must not cause any disabilities. Usually there is no severe disability, but an accident can lead to insurance problems.

What should you watch out for when wearing the orthosis?

In the beginning, you should pay particular attention to whether the orthosis is well adapted. Thumb orthoses that are too small can lead to pressure points, disorders of the outflow of blood and lymph or skin defects. This can exacerbate existing complaints.

An orthosis that is too large and does not fit properly cannot produce adequate immobilization. The healing process can be prolonged or pain from movement cannot be adequately prevented.

In the case of rhizarthroses, it may be necessary to get used to the therapy at the beginning. The orthosis can then be taken off for a certain period of time. However, after this period of getting used to it, those affected usually benefit from the long-term stabilization. The joint / the acute inflammatory reaction can "calm down".

After operations or injuries, the orthosis should only be worn for as long as prescribed by the doctor. Wearing it for too long leads to stiffening and restricted mobility of the joint or joints.

costs

Thumb orthoses can be purchased in medical supply stores. Depending on the manufacturer and material or specification, a thumb orthosis costs between 30-60 €.

For some indications (for example after an operation, in the case of a rhizarthrosis, rupture of the ulnar ligament), specialists and general practitioners can prescribe an orthosis. On presentation of a prescription, the right orthosis can be obtained from a medical supply store. Depending on the health insurance company, the full amount is covered or a deductible, which is usually relatively low, is required.